Who or What are you? (Research)

[Preston Salabim]

He'd bring a hand over his light to dim it somewhat as he continued to follow, slowing down so his footfalls would be quieter.

[David B.]

As they got close, they'd start to be able to make sense of the words. (Perception check: pass)

"-ng we're gonna be in here."

"The commander said he'll contact us."

"And you trust him?"

"Not on everything, but the intel we got, they need."

"Intel maybe, but not us. How do we know they're not just going to-"

To Prestons right, a loud clang. Then the shifting of a door that was hidden in shadow. The mechanic quickly and quietly pressed Preston up against the wall in the shadows, then took a sharp breath and went under the water!

[Preston Salabim]

Preston's hand clenched over the light extinguishing it as he pressed into the Shadows, he'd stay low and still, keeping his breathing light and quiet. He wanted to stay out of sight for this. As much as possible.

[David B.]

The man with the scar, who had attacked Cabal, came through.

"Ah, Commander. You made it back. Any word?"

The sound of the man lighting a cigar could be heard after entering the room.

"We've been disavowed. And they may have picked up our trail- just a few moments ago, one of the Perso stones came to me. I'd hoped they were destroyed but, if theres any risk that Cabal has followed it, we'll need to get out, and quickly. Head for the surface, then Territory two. We'll meet there."

"You're not coming with us?"

"No. I'm going to take care of the Cabalan rat outside our door."

Then silence.

[Preston Salabim]

Territory two? Interesting. He'd not move though, just staying where he was so the events around him could play out.

[David B.]

"What gave me away?"

The mechanic had emerged from the water, sword in hand. The Commander turned back, taking a casual pose.

"I could see the flickering of your light under the door. It was smart to extinguish it before i came out but...just a little late, kid."

The mechanic drew his flashlight, then tsk'd with a shrug.

"I took a risk, seems it's not gonna pay off. Guess we'll find out if I'm good enough to add another scar to your collection."

He drew his sword, lightning crackling up the blade.

[Preston Salabim]

Yeah, he'd seen what this guy could do. Fighting wasn't going to work out for them. He'd channel his mana toward the stone of the sewers as he built up his mana within.

"Worry not, Preston has arrived."

He'd step out of the shadows as he pushed his hands forward toward the commander.

"Ushesh"!

And then he'd book it!

"Retreat!"

SPOILER: Click to show

Qi use 1/13

Gaol - Earth Element - Support Archetype - The Earth under his target's feet shifts and snaps upward to imprison them in stone. The prison may be destroyed by dealing twice his energy stat in damage to it. (Does not require it to be in a single post or single source)

Gaol HP 64

[David B.]

As the stone crackled to life around him, the commanders eyes bulged and the cigar fell from his mouth. The mechanic stabbed his sword into the ground, and lightning lanced up the stone, wrapping around it and electrocuting the man inside. He would leave the sword there, the dull sound of screaming coming from inside as he turned around and hauled ass after Preston.

"Oh God, I just attacked a Full Riche'. Oh God I'm fucking DEAD. Oh God-"

He kept running! Preston would note that the orb he'd been following earlier was now hovering over his left shoulder, pulsing blue. By getting the better of the commander, it seemed he had now taken ownership of it!

Item Gained: Add on to chest item - "Perso Protectorate": This item generates a personal shield that blocks a single strike worth up to Prestons energy in damage. May be used up to five times across all threads, consecutively. Once used up, requires 20 Qi uses be stored inside it before it can be used again.

[Preston Salabim]

"Not yet you aren't."

He'd close his eyes to summon forth the spirit of the great tactician. His familiar.

"Enact the Wheel Stratagem."

He'd keep booking it!

SPOILER: Click to show

+20 speed to all allies 1/5 posts

[David B.]

His body was moving faster than ever as they neared the tunnel where they'd entered. It was then that the earth shook as a mighty explosion rocked the area. The Cabalan mechanic would gesture up.

"You first!"

[Preston Salabim]

Arguing wouldn't help either of them, so he'd channel some of his Mana at the soldier to help protect him, not eager to watch someone else die for him.

"At rek Arel"

He'd say as a shield of water appeared around the man. And with that Preston would start climbing!

SPOILER: Click to show

Water Shield - Water Element - Support Archetype - Preston summons a disk of water that circles it's target and persists for the thread or until it absorbs an attack. The disk can absorb up to Preston's Energy in damage.

+20 speed to all allies 2/5 posts

Qi use 2/13

[David B.]

The man started climbing after Preston, then cried out as an explosion rocked his calf, blowing his leg off. He still made it to the top, blood spurting out the stump as electricity would zip around it, frying and burning the wound closed.

"GO! RUN!"

He'd attempt to push Preston away so the mage could make it back.

[Preston Salabim]

Preston was pushed back, but he refused to run without Immon Juncture. He couldn't stomach letting someone else die for him two days in a row. Not like this, and not to the same man. They would both get out of here, or they would both die. He would frantically pull at Immon to keep them moving as best he could as his other hand fumbled into his jacket, pulling out a horn. Bringing it to his lips he would sound the alarm, calling out for aid.

SPOILER: Click to show

+20 speed to all allies 3/5 posts

[David B.]

Cabal men turned, as sound of a great horn blew over the city. Rushing to the armory, weapons were drawn, and active soldiers started at a full sprint downtown. (5 cabal men arrive in 2 posts)

The Immon stood, hopping and sweating as the hole in the ground exploded outward. He'd turn back, then grabbing Preston under the arm, he'd bodily hurl the young mage several feet ahead. (Atk: 25)

"You MUST GO! They must know!"

He drew a knife from his belt and turned, crouching and leaping into the air, through the rubble rain as electricity shot up his arm and he let out a cry.

"FOR CABAL-!"

His body fell into the hole, the commanding Riche letting out a shout as another explosion rocked the area. Electricity shot up and out of the ground, flames following....clearly, there was a battle ensuing.

[Preston Salabim]

He hesitated after catching himself from the throw. He didn't want to leave another man to die, but he was right. Cabal had to know where they were heading. It was the only way to prevent worse from happening. With a heavy heart Preston would run from the battle toward Cabal, keeping the Wheel Stratagem active.

SPOILER: Click to show

+20 speed to all allies 4/5 posts